Showing posts with label La Cienega. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Cienega. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Our 100th Post! History in the Making!


When I started New Rochelle Now in April 2012, It was totally out of necessity.  I was relatively new to the Queen City, and struggled to find out what was happening on a day-to-day basis. I view NRN as my version of Time Out New Rochelle. To commemorate my 100th post, take a walk with me down memory lane and visit some of my favorite haunts and havens. You may even spot something you missed the first time. 


NoMa Social
Places to kick back
After a long day at the office, why not hit a local lounge?  New Rochelle has many to choose from - The Gnarly Vine is an intimate wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and affable staff. If you want something slightly more upbeat try NoMa Social  the decor is futuristic and the food is fantastic. For those who want to dance the night away or watch others do so,  head to Don Coqui. Now if you need a space to crank out that thesis, head to R.Patisserie where silence is golden and the lattes are hot.
Don Coqui
Speak  Italian
New Rochelle is the prefect town to feed my Love for Italian food and Pizza. Posto 22  is sure to serve as your own personal kitchen. I make a trip once a week. At  Spadaro, the food is served family style and they don't have a menu so come hungry and ready for a taste of Italy! The guys at  Blackboard Pizza buy all their ingredients fresh daily and they know the the ABC's of  perfect pizza.

Castle Gallery
Become a voyeur
New Rochelle has a host of Gallery's and artist spaces and each one is different from the next. The Castle Gallery is a vast estate with rotating exhibits that will marvel you. If you want to simply pop in and see something by a local young artist head over to the Backstreet Gallery . For an all encompassing experience go over to this live/work gallery & Artist space at the  Media Loft. 
 Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friend's
Food that feeds the Soul
 Having the esteemed honor of one of the Best of Westchester has not gone to Alvin Clayton's head. He continues to churn out plates of love, peace and soul at his New Rochelle restaurant Alvin & Friends. How sweet it is. Sweet Potatoes has perfected the art of cooking for many and making it taste as if it was prepared just for you. Go in and get a taste of that down home soul food you have been missing up north.

La Ceniga
Latin flavor 
New Rochelle has a tremendous amount of Latin fare to choose from. For date night I would suggest
 La Ceniga! Once inside, you may feel as if you just entered the Meatpacking District with it's hip crowd and sumptuous food. My second pick is the Peruvian gallery style restaurant  Cholos Kitchen, plan to go there only if you are hungry, because you won't be able to resist trying several items off of the menu. 

Shop till you drop
Before you head to The Westchester for your next shopping spree, try heading  downtown to  Consign it on Main! They have everything you need for your home and then some. The Sweet preserves boutique located in the rear of the store is a treasure chest of luxury goods. Stop by and tell Amy that I sent you. For your seasonal home refreshers, go to the  The Curtain Shop.That place is not just curtains. The jewels at Just Funki are all handmade originals and each piece is like a work of art. Rhonda is a master jewelry maker her handmade chandelier is magnificent.

The Curtain Shop

Wide open spaces
Wildcliff  is an oasis in New Rochelle. This open air space has showcased many local talents as well as billboard hit-makers. I would go just for the view. When the weather permits, two words BEACH BAR! The Hudson Park Beach Bar's newly revamped tiki bar will make you want to go to Aruba-Jamaica..KeyLargo- Montego.. but, New Rochelle is a much shorter flight.
Wildcliff




Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Best of Westchester- Gobs of NewRo Grub

The Best Of  Westchester brought out the epicurious crowd last night. Conceived in 2001, this years bash hosted at the Glen Island Harbor Club was the party of the summer. Dapper dudes and gorgeous gals, feasted, foxtrotted and fawned over displays that looked almost too good to eat.

New Rochelle has an abundance of  restaurants on the 2012 "Best Of" list  and some of them were  previously featured here on New Rochelle Now. I have long since said that New Rochelle has some of the best restaurants in the New York. I suggest that you make a reservation (if applicable) at one of the spectacular 7 below, because now that the BOW is ringing their praises, it may be a pain getting a table to quell your hunger pangs.


Best Cheese Plate The Gnarly Vine 501 Main St, New Rochelle (914) 355-2541; thegnarlyvine.com
Best Upside Down Pineapple Cake Alvin & Friends  49 Lawton St New Rochelle  (914) 654-6549
Best Vegan Restaurant-Jolo’s Kitchen 412 North Ave, New Rochelle (914) 355-2527 joloskitchen.com
Best Finger Food- Pionono's at Siete Ocho Siete 414 Pelham Rd (914) 636-1229 sieteochosiete.com

Best Bagels H & R Bialy Corp 41 Quaker Ridge Rd, New Rochelle (914) 576-1411 
Best Churros El Trigal Mexican Bakery 216 Union Ave New Rochelle (914) 633-9516
Best Chowder- Cienega Restaurant 179 Main St, New Rochelle (914) 632-4000 cienegarestaurant.com

Monday, April 30, 2012

La Cienega - Escape to Espana


In October of 2011 La Cienega opened its doors in New Rochelle to purveyors of upscale Latin cuisine.  Pedro Munoz and Vivian Torres the duo responsible for Luz in Fort Greene Brooklyn, decided to inject the aesthetic of cool up north.  La Cienega feels like the perfect first date restaurant. The walls are textured, tables varnished and lighting flattering to all complexions.

And just like a first date, some things just don't fit. While the food is good, the menu is an assortment of many Latin countries, with influences from Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Cuba. I cannot help but think that this good restaurant could be great if it focused on cuisine from one region. On Thursday evenings they have a live band which includes a Greek, Latino & African American keeping with the theme of harmonious melange. La Cienega is like passing through 4 countries on a quick trip to Espana: exciting, appetizing and a bit dizzying. 
Must: Any of the 4 Ceviches 
Bust: The restaurant is situated in dealership row


                                     www.cienegarestaurant.com